Desk and chair combination device and a method for its use

ABSTRACT

The present device is a chair desk combination device configured to provide a lounge chair comprising a reclined backrest and a substantially flat footrest for relaxing and a desk/chair combination configured to support an ergonomic posture and flat surface for working. The present device can comprise a cushion having a backrest, seat section, middle section and footrest, wherein the footrest can function as a desk. This cushion can be supported by a pedestal, which can conform to the shape of the cushion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to provisional application No. 61/911,988 filed Dec. 4, 2013, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present device relates to a chair that can be used as both a desk that promotes proper ergonomic body position, as well as a lounge chair that can be used to recline with a supportive backrest and an elevated footrest.

BACKGROUND

Traditionally, a separate desk and chair are used to provide a work station for use with computers or other writing and drafting implements. However, with the increasing use of tablets and laptop computers, users of these technologies have migrated to using only a chair or couch for many of the same activities as this tends to be more convenient and comfortable for many users. Health problems created by the non-ergonomic use of these devices on a person's lap, include strained muscles and tendons, which can lead to chronic pain and injury, particularly to the back and wrists. Additionally, a person using a tablet computer or laptop on a couch or with a chair alone does not have the ability to handwrite anything because there is no firm supporting surface to be used for this purpose.

Several designs have been made to include a desk with a chair. These combinations provide a hard surface for working on the computer, or writing, as well as a place to sit. The most common of these solutions is a desk that is folded along the side of a chair. The desk can be moved to a usable position or stowed for use of the chair alone. Additionally, a multitude of portable hard surfaces have been developed for use as a desk with common chairs and/or couches. These designs generally include a pillow-type surface on the bottom side of a desk-like surface. This pillow-type surface can be placed on the legs of a user as they sit allowing for the use of the hard desk surface on the user's lap. None of these solutions encourage the user to be in an ergonomic position while he or she works on the desk surface. Additionally, none of the combination desk and chairs, which are currently known, can provide both a backrest configured to support a comfortable lounging position and an integrated footrest when the integrated desk is not in use as a desk.

Therefore, what is needed is a combination desk and chair that encourages a user to sit in an ergonomically proper position while he or she is using the desk surface and also provides a comfortable footrest and backrest when the user desires a break from working at the desk surface. Additionally, the design of such a desk and chair combination should be both simple to manufacture and aesthetically pleasing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above aspects can be achieved by a desk and chair combination device comprising: a cushion; the cushion comprising a backrest section connected to a seat section; the cushion also comprising a middle section, comprising one or more notches, connected to the seat section; and the cushion also comprising a substantially flat footrest section connected to the middle section.

The above aspects can also be achieved by a desk and chair combination device comprising: a cushion; the cushion comprising a backrest section connected to a seat section; the cushion also comprising a middle section, comprising one or more notches, connected to the seat section; the cushion also comprising a substantially flat footrest section connected to the middle section; and a pedestal configured to support the cushion.

The above aspects can also be achieved by a method for using a desk and chair combination device the method comprising: providing a desk and chair combination device, the desk and chair combination device comprising: a cushion; the cushion comprising a backrest section connected to a seat section; the cushion also comprising a middle section, comprising one or more notches, connected to the seat section; and the cushion also comprising a substantially flat footrest section connected to the middle section; providing a user; providing a work article; the user placing one leg in a first notch and a second leg in the second notch; placing a work article on the footrest section; and the user working on the work article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is an orthographic view of a desk and chair combination device in use as a lounge chair according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an orthogonal view of a desk and chair combination device in use as a desk according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an orthogonal view of a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a left side view of a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a back view of a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an orthogonal view of a cushion for a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a right side view of a cushion for a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a cushion for a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a left side view of a cushion for a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a back view of a cushion for a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a top view of a cushion for a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of a cushion for a desk and chair combination device according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

The present desk and chair combination device is versatile and can be used as either a lounge chair or a desk. When in use as a desk, the user can sit in an upright position, with both feet resting on the floor. In this position, the user's legs can extend through notches that can be located behind the footrest as he or she sits facing the footrest, which can act as the desk surface. In an embodiment, the footrest can be both smooth and hard, providing a surface suitable for working on a laptop computer, handwriting on paper, and performing any other similar task typically performed on a desk or table. In this configuration, the user's back does not touch the backrest and the relative location of each element comprising the desk and chair combination can promote the ergonomic positioning of the user.

At times when the user does not need to use a desk surface, the footrest can be used as a footrest and the backrest can also be utilized to allow the user to recline in a comfortable position. Although this reclining position is generally understood to be the relaxing position, the user can still utilize a tablet or laptop computer while in this position.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is an orthographic view of a desk and chair combination device 100 in use as a lounge chair. The desk and chair combination 100 can comprise a pedestal 101 and a cushion 102 and can be used as a chair or a desk. The cushion can comprise a backrest 103, a seat section 104, a middle section 105 and a footrest section 106. In an embodiment, the middle section 105 can comprise two or more notches 108. When the user 107 desires to use the desk and chair combination 100 as a lounge chair, the user 107 can lean his or her back against the backrest 103 and lift his or her feet onto the footrest section 106 allowing the user 107 to remain in a comfortable resting position. In this position, the user's 107 head, back and legs can each be in contact with, and supported by the cushion 102.

According to an embodiment, the user 107 can sit on the seat section 104 and lean back placing his or her back against the backrest 103. The user 107 can then decide which location would be most comfortable to place his or her feet. For example, the user 107 can straddle the middle section 105, placing one leg in each notch 108 and resting his or her feet on the floor 110. This type of positioning could allow any work items (not pictured) to remain on the footrest section 106 if necessary.

Alternatively, the user 107 can also place his or her feet on the footrest section 106 by moving his or her feet from resting on the floor 110 to a location on top of the footrest section 106. Likewise, a single foot can be raised onto the footrest section 106 with the other foot remaining on the floor 110. The backrest 103 can be configured to hold the user 107 at an angle comfortable for watching a screen located in front of the desk and chair combination 100. Additionally, when being used as a chair, the apparatus can be sufficiently comfortable and secure so that the user feels comfortable sleeping without having to worry about the desk and chair combination 100 tipping over.

FIG. 2 is an orthogonal view of a desk and chair combination device 100 in use as a desk, according to an embodiment. When the desk and chair combination 100 is being utilized as a desk the user 107 can sit on the seat section 104 facing the footrest 106. The user can straddle the middle section 105 with one leg being located within each notch 108 comprising the middle section 105. In an embodiment, desk and chair combination device 100 can be configured such that the lower sides of the user's legs can rest against the seat section 104 while his or her knees can be bent at a 90 degree angle and his or her feet can rest on the floor 110. This is the most ergonomically correct position for the lower body of a sitting person. The footrest section 106 can be both flat and parallel to the plane of the floor 110, according to an embodiment. A laptop or other work project 212, such as a notebook or piece of paper, can be placed on a top surface 213 of the footrest 106. In this way, the top surface 213 of the footrest 106 can act as a desk surface, wherein the height of the footrest section 106 can allow the user's 107 legs to be placed under the footrest section 106. Additionally, the footrest section 106 can be located at a height and position that allows the user's 107 arms to hang in an ergonomically proper position while using the footrest 106 as a desk or other work surface.

FIG. 3 is an orthogonal view of a desk and chair combination device 100 according to an embodiment. The desk and chair combination 100 can comprise a pedestal 101 and a cushion 102. The cushion 102 can comprise the backrest 103, a seat section 104, a middle section 105 comprising notches, 324 and 325, (identified as “108” in FIGS. 1 and 2) and a footrest section 106. In an embodiment, the backrest 103 can be a mostly flat section that is connected to the seat section 104 at an angle between approximately 90 degrees and 140 degrees. In an embodiment such as that shown in FIG. 3, the backrest 103 can be configured so as to seamlessly transition into the seat section 104.

The seat section 104 can comprise a curved shape wherein the back of the seat section 320 and the front of the seat section 321 can be identical and a line tangent to the bottom and center of the seat section 321 can be parallel to the floor 110. The back of the seat section 320 can be connected to the backrest as described above and the front of the seat section 321 can seamlessly connect to the middle section 105. The connection between the front of the seat section 321 and the middle section 105 can be at an angle approximately 90 degrees to 180 degrees according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the middle section 105 can be mostly linear and comprise two or more notches (identified as “108” in FIGS. 1 and 2) a right leg notch 324 and a left leg notch 325. These notches, 324 and 325, can correspond to the locations of a user's legs when the footrest section 106 is being used as a desk or when the user desires to rest his or her feet on the floor 110. In an embodiment, these notches, 324 and 325, can be located closer to the seat section 104 than to the footrest section 106. The footrest section 106 can be connected to the middle section 105 on the end opposite of the seat section 104. The angle of the connection of the footrest section 106 and the middle section 105 can be between 200 degrees and 270 degrees, according to an embodiment. The footrest section 106 can be linear and can be parallel to the plane of the floor 110 according to an embodiment.

According to an embodiment, the pedestal 101 can be comprised of at least one first leg 330, at least one second leg 331 and a support arm 332. The first leg 330 can be substantially vertical and can extend from the floor 110 to a location located on an underside of the backrest 340. The second leg 331 can also be substantially vertical and can extend from the floor 110 to a location located on an underside of the footrest 341. The pedestal 101 can also comprise a support arm 332 that can connect the first leg 330 to the second leg 331.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of a desk and chair combination device 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows the location of the notches 108 along the length of the cushion 102. These notches 108 can be cut out of the middle section 105 at a location closer to the seat section 104 than the footrest section 106. By placing the notches 108 in this location, less pressure is placed on the back of the user's legs when the user places his or her feet on the floor 110. FIG. 4 also clearly shows the angle of the backrest 103, which is between 90 degrees and 180 degrees with respect to the seat section, according to an embodiment. Although the cushion 102, comprising the chair desk combination 100 shown in FIG. 4, forms a smooth, wave-like shape, a similar device, having angles formed by straight lines that connect all or some of the backrest 103, seat section 104, middle section 105 and footrest 106, is contemplated as being an embodiment of the present device.

Additionally, the support arm 332 comprising the pedestal 101 can be located along the bottom of the entire length of the cushion 102 between the first support leg 330 and the second support leg 331. In an embodiment, the shape of the support arm 332 can correspond to the curvature of the cushion 102 providing support to the cushion 102 throughout its entire length according to an embodiment. The support arm 332 can provide stability, as well as an aesthetically pleasing design.

FIG. 5 is a front view of a desk and chair combination device 100 according to an embodiment and FIG. 7 is a back view of a desk and chair combination device 100 according to an embodiment. In FIGS. 5 and 7, the first leg 330 and second leg 331 comprising the pedestal 101 can be trapezoidal in shape, according to an embodiment. Both the first leg 330 and the second leg 331 can comprise a floor base 540 and a cushion support 541. In an embodiment, the floor base 540 can be wider than the cushion support 541 in an embodiment to help prevent the desk and chair combination 100 from tipping over when in use.

FIG. 6 is a left side view of a desk and chair combination device 100 according to an embodiment. The left side of the combination desk and chair device 100 should be a mirror image of its right side as shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a desk and chair combination device 100. According to an embodiment, the width 850 of the cushion 102 can be uniform along its entire length except for in between the right leg notch 324 and the left leg notch 325. The right leg notch 324 and the left leg notch 325 can be symmetrical to each other in relation to a center line 851 extending along the length of the cushion 102, according to an embodiment, but this aspect is not required as asymmetry would not be detrimental to the function of these notches, 324 and 325. Additionally, although the notches are shown as being square in shape, the shape of the notches can be semicircles or any other suitable shape sufficient to allow a user's legs to pass through them. The notched width 852 of the cushion 102 must be sufficient to connect the seat section 104 to the footrest section 106. Additionally, the notched width 852 can also be sufficiently thin to be comfortable when the user has his or her legs placed within the notches, 324 and 325. According to an embodiment, the width of the cushion 850 can be between fifteen to twenty (15-20) inches and the notched width 852 can be between three to seven (3-7) inches.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a desk and chair combination device 100 according to an embodiment. The middle section 105 can be located such that the distance from the second leg 331 can be sufficient to allow the user's legs to extend through the notches 108 without coming into contact with the second leg 331, while the user's legs are resting on the floor.

FIGS. 10-16 show the same desk and chair combination device 100 with the pedestal 101 as the environment. According to an embodiment, the function of the desk and chair combination device 100 can be provided by the cushion 102 alone, without the use of a pedestal, depending upon its curvature and the location of the notches 108. In order to make the desk and chair combination device 100 aesthetically pleasing, the design of the pedestal 101 can be varied so that the same supporting features are present, but different design styles can be incorporated to match many different environments.

Although the present desk and chair combination device has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the present desk and chair combination device, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the present device. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A desk and chair combination device comprising: a cushion; the cushion comprising a backrest section connected to a seat section; the cushion also comprising a middle section, the middle section comprising one or more notches, the middle section connected to the seat section; and the cushion also comprising a substantially flat footrest section connected to the middle section.
 2. The desk and chair combination device recited in claim 1, wherein the backrest section connects to the seat section at an angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
 3. The desk and chair combination device recited in claim 1, wherein the seat section connects to the middle section at an angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
 4. The desk and chair combination device recited in claim 1, wherein the middle section connects to the footrest section at an angle between 200 degrees and 270 degrees.
 5. A desk and chair combination device comprising: a cushion; the cushion comprising a backrest section connected to a seat section; the cushion also comprising a middle section, the middle section comprising one or more notches, the middle section connected to the seat section; the cushion also comprising a substantially flat footrest section connected to the middle section; and a pedestal configured to support the cushion.
 6. The desk and chair combination device recited in claim 5, wherein the pedestal comprises at least one first leg and at least one second leg.
 7. The desk and chair combination device as recited in claim 5 wherein at least one first leg and at least one second leg are connected by at least one support arm.
 8. The desk and chair combination device recited in claim 5, wherein the backrest section connects to the seat section at an angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
 9. The desk and chair combination recited in claim 5, wherein the seat section connects to the middle section at an angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees.
 10. The desk and chair combination device recited in claim 5, wherein the middle section connects to the footrest section at an angle between 200 degrees and 270 degrees.
 11. A method of using a desk and chair combination device comprising: providing a desk and chair combination device, the desk and chair combination device comprising: a cushion; the cushion comprising a backrest section connected to a seat section; the cushion also comprising a middle section, the middle section comprising one or more notches, the middle section connected to the seat section; and the cushion also comprising a substantially flat footrest section connected to the middle section; providing a user; providing a work article; the user placing one leg in a first notch and a second leg in the second notch; placing a work article on the footrest section; and the user working on the work article.
 12. The method of using a desk and chair combination as recited in claim 11 further comprising: removing the work article from the footrest section; the user resting his or her back on the backrest section; and the user placing at his or her feet on the footrest section. 